Rocky Balboa

Sly did it. The end of the series about the Italian Stallion Rocky Balboa worked out as it should and as I wished. Stallone was clever about it using the only thing he had left: memories. It’s as though he's recapitulated his own life and transferred it to the character who's been with him from the beginning. The movie's success is also due to the performances, which are definitely above standard. In addition to the excellent Stallone, there is also the great Burt Young as Paulie (the only link with the past) and Milo Ventimiglia, who shows that he can stretch beyond Heroes. I'm overjoyed to return to the old days for an hour and a half, and I'm giving Rocky an extra star to say goodbye. Thanks. (29/06/2007)

The disheveled and smiley Sly wanders around Philadelphia, giving advice to everyone around him while being unsure of himself. I would take that as a light prologue to the sympathetically boxing finish with enthusiasm, but when he talks, advises, and sadly looks for two-thirds of the movie, it becomes boring. It's not unwatchable, but still a bit unnecessary because as soon as Rocky returns to training, runs up the stairs and enters the arena, adrenaline, tension, and cheering are also there. The fight against Dixon is incredibly well shot, but it really bothers me that the champion's actor is skinny and lacks the typical muscularity of a boxer, so I can't maintain a serious face when talking about "heavyweight". On the other hand, I can forgive many things without words because I really wanted Stallone to succeed and thanked him for not letting the series end in miserable waters in his old age. (18/10/2007)

I liked the slightly grim humor and the nice old-fashioned mentoring tone that carries the film most of the time. I hope the Italian Stallion does not get mad at me, but the last match sucks. It lacked clear motivation, enthusiasm, a strong opponent and some reasonable resolution - it hangs at the end of the film just for show. Until then, Rocky's last adventure has all the attributes that made the first film famous (although they are somewhat shabby now)... it focuses more on simpler but catchy psychology and on Stallone's still functional two-sided acting. I enjoyed it, but I consider a boxing film which does not wow me with the final fight to be slightly weak. (13/12/2008)

Rocky Balboa is a dementedly simple but pleasantly honest and modest little film about a washed-up boxer who still has something to say, and not just with his fists. The film’s prelude is a bit drawn out and, conversely, the climax is rushed, but *nostalgia* has its indisputable weight of likability, which irons out a lot of the wrinkles. Sly Stallone managed to do the same thing that his hero did – he didn’t make a great comeback, but he acquitted himself with dignity. (01/02/2007)

A legend like Rocky Balboa could hardly have asked for a better retirement. More than ever, Stallone gave me the impression that he literally connected with Rocky, imprinting him with heart and soul, and it shows not only in his great performance, but especially in his sensitive and sincere direction. The film is a beautiful depiction of perseverance, indomitable desire, and the power of friendship, and though the story takes a predictable and well-trodden path, it still manages to strap us firmly into our seats and knock us off our feet at the end. I enjoyed it, plus I definitely figured out who Stallone's most famous and best movie character is: the Italian Stallion Rocky Balboa. 4.5* (02/10/2012)